Shrek SuperSlam

E3 Preview 2005

It’s mayhem, I tell ya – pure mayhem!! Oh, and the venues for the brawls …

It’s all in good fun, and that underscores Shrek SuperSlam, a 3D brawling game from Activision, slated for release in the fall on the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS systems.

The game has six modes of play, including melee, story (which is a campfire tale-style of game), practice, training, ladder (work your way to the top of the brawling heap) and mega challenge (which is comprised of 50 mini objectives). There will be 20 characters to choose from, some recognizable and some new, as well as 16 levels of fully destructible environments. The new levels are comprised of a playful mix of fairytales and pop culture – with such elements at the ginger-bling mansion.  

“There’s going to be something recognizable in there for any age,” said producer Todd Jefferson, during Activision’s pre-E3 event in Santa Monica. 

While the game does have a fixed camera perspective, there are a host of elements that will make this a visual treat, including at least 30 power ups like character enhancing and other magic items. 

The look of the game is visually quite lush and the arenas do not just serve as backdrops to the game but are integral parts of the combat. There are hazards that will come into play, but make no mistake about it – this is comedic entertainment, full of high-flying action, and outrageous special moves.

“The environment hazards will change the way you play a level,” Jefferson said.

The game will feature sound-alikes from Shrek 2, and multiplayer is supported, even on the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS versions. The latter will support wireless multiplayer.

During the game, players will use their moves to charge up their slam meters. Once charged, pull off the slam on your opponent. The player using the most slams by the end of the two-minute fight is the winner.

Graphically wonderful, Shrek SuperSlam is a title that should appeal to younger players, but also carry over to fans of the films.